The Easter season is a time when Christians reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this fourth day of the Easter reading plan, let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
As Jesus’ ministry gained influence, opposition against Him also grew. The Jewish religious leaders were threatened by Jesus’ teachings and popularity. They plotted to have Him arrested and killed. The Gospel accounts describe multiple attempts by the Pharisees and chief priests to trap Jesus or have Him arrested, but these plans were unsuccessful until Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16). Judas led the temple guard to arrest Jesus at night in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Arrest and Trials of Jesus
After His arrest, Jesus underwent a series of trials by the Jewish leaders and Roman authorities. These included:
- A nighttime trial before Annas, the former high priest (John 18:12-14, 19-23)
- A trial before Caiaphas, the current high priest, and the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)
- A trial before Pilate, the Roman governor (Matthew 27:11-26)
- An appearance before Herod Antipas to be questioned (Luke 23:6-12)
The Gospel accounts portray the trials as being rigged against Jesus. False witnesses were brought in, and both Pilate and Herod found no guilt in Jesus to warrant a death sentence. But the religious leaders stirred up the crowd and demanded His crucifixion. Pilate eventually conceded to their demands and sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.
The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
After being severely flogged, Jesus was led away to be crucified at a place called Golgotha (Matthew 27:26, 33). Crucifixion was a brutal method of execution used by the Romans. Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross and left to hang there until He died, which happened about six hours later (Mark 15:25-37). In His final moments, Jesus uttered several poignant statements:
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)
- “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise [to one of the criminals crucified with Him]” (Luke 23:43)
- “Woman, behold your son! Behold your mother! [speaking to John and Mary]” (John 19:26-27)
- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
- “I thirst” (John 19:28)
- “It is finished” (John 19:30)
- “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)
When Jesus died, supernatural events occurred – the temple curtain was torn, there was an earthquake, and tombs of saints were opened (Matthew 27:51-54). A Roman centurion who witnessed these events declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).
The Burial of Jesus
After Jesus’ death, a man named Joseph of Arimathea quickly buried His body before sundown. Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin but had not consented to the council’s actions against Jesus (Luke 23:50-51). He boldly asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and laid it in his own unused tomb carved out of rock (Matthew 27:57-60). The tomb was then sealed and guarded by soldiers at the request of the Jewish leaders.
The Resurrection Morning
On the Sunday after the crucifixion, some of Jesus’ female followers went to His tomb to anoint His body with spices. When they arrived, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Angels appeared and told them Jesus had risen, as He had prophesied (Matthew 28:1-7; Luke 24:1-8). The Gospel accounts record multiple eyewitness encounters with the resurrected Jesus that first Easter morning and throughout the next 40 days before He ascended to heaven:
- Mary Magdalene and the other women at the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10)
- Peter in Jerusalem (Luke 24:34)
- The two travelers on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)
- The disciples behind locked doors (John 20:19-23)
- Thomas and the other disciples (John 20:26-29)
- 7 disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
- Disciples on the Mount of Olives at His ascension (Acts 1:6-9)
The resurrection was a literal, physical raising of Jesus’ body from the dead. The empty tomb, His post-resurrection appearances, and the transformation of the disciples all point to the historical reality of this event. The resurrection demonstrated Jesus’ power over sin and death and authenticated His divine identity. He is the risen Lord and Savior!
The Meaning of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
So what meaning and significance do Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection have? Here are some key truths that Scripture teaches:
- Forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ death provides atonement for sin (Romans 4:25; Hebrews 9:26).
- Payment for sin’s penalty. He took upon Himself the punishment we deserve (1 Peter 2:24).
- Reconciliation to God. His sacrifice removes the barrier between us and God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18).
- Justification by faith. All who believe in Christ’s work are declared righteous (Romans 3:21-26).
- Victory over Satan. The cross defeated Satan and his works (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14).
- Redemption from sin. Christ’s blood purchases our freedom (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
- Cleansing of conscience. His sacrifice purifies us inwardly (Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7).
- New life through the Spirit. His resurrection enables spiritual rebirth (1 Peter 1:3; Romans 6:4-6).
- Assurance of resurrection. He is the “firstfruits” of future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
- Hope of eternal life. In Christ, we have victory over death (John 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
As we remember Jesus’ passion and victory this Easter season, may we be filled with praise, gratitude, and hope for all that He accomplished for us through the cross and empty tomb!